Twyn-y-Gaer

Cadw's description

Summary description and reason for designation

The following provides a general description of the Scheduled Ancient Monument.

The monument comprises the remains of a hillfort, which probably dates to the Iron Age period (c. 800 BC - AD 74, the Roman conquest of Wales). Hillforts must have formed symbols of power within the landscape, while their function may have had as much to do with ostentation and display as defence. Twyn y Gaer comprises an oval univallate hilltop enclosure measuring roughly 120m N/S by 80m E/W. The enclosure is defined by a single denuded rampart, or scarp, around much of its circuit, although a section of bank and ditch survive at the northern end. The remains of a possible ancillary enclosure also survive at the northern end. A roughly square annexe is located on the southern side of the enclosure. This measures 60m N/S by 40m E/W and has a well preserved bank and ditch on the southern and eastern sides. The entrance to the enclosure is in the SE corner and is well defined. A hollow way runs NW/SE from the entrance to a N/S aligned hollow way that runs along the length of the ridge. There are no visible internal features.

The monument is of national importance for its potential to enhance our knowledge of later prehistoric defensive organisation and settlement. The site forms an important element within the wider later prehistoric context and within the surrounding landscape. The site is well preserved and retains considerable archaeological potential. There is a strong probability of the presence of evidence relating to chronology, building techniques and functional detail.

The scheduled area comprises the remains described and areas around them within which related evidence may be expected to survive.